Nebraska governor asks Joe Biden for disaster declaration [Video]

In a move designed to secure federal recovery funds for the state, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has asked President Joe Biden for a federal disaster declaration following last week’s tornadoes, Pillen’s office announced Thursday.

Pillen’s request for a federal disaster declaration includes a request for federal funds for debris removal, emergency protective measures and individual assistance for Nebraskans impacted by the April 26 storms, which are thought to have damaged around 400 homes, primarily in Douglas and Washington counties.

A total of 10 tornadoes raked across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa in the afternoon and evening hours of April 26, including five rated as EF-3s, according to damage surveyed in the aftermath.

FEMA has been working with Nebraska’s Emergency Management Agency to obtain accurate damage assessments, Pillen’s office said Thursday. FEMA …